Attorney general warns older Ohioans about job scams

Attorney General Mike DeWine is warning Ohio senior citizens about job-opportunity scams that
could cost them thousands of dollars.

DeWine says consumers in their 70s, 80s and 90s are getting nothing in return for investments
of $10,000 or even $20,000 in Internet business opportunities such as selling credit-card
processing machines or taking lessons to learn how to start a business.

The scam typically begins when a consumer receives a telephone call or an email offering the
chance to work from home or start a business. The salesperson tells consumers they must sign a
contract and provide credit-card information to get started.

Consumers have reported thousands of dollars in charges beyond those authorized by the
contract, according to DeWine’s office. Consumers say they never get the business materials they’ve
been promised, can never reach the salesperson and don’t get any money.

DeWine’s office said consumers always should be suspicious if a caller asks for your
credit-card information or promises of getting rich quick. It also advises doing research on the
company, carefully reading all documents the company sends you, discussing the opportunity with
family or trusted friends, and warning elderly relatives about giving out credit-card information
over the phone to unknown callers.

Victims can call DeWine’s office at 1-800-282-0515 or
www.OhioAttorney.General.gov